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Lacson roots for 170,000 doctors who may replace Duque as DOH chief
By DONA MAGSINO, GMA News There are thousands of other health experts in the Philippines who may replace Health Secretary Francisco Duque III should Malacanang scout for another amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Senator Panfilo Lacson on Monday.
"There are at least 170,000 licensed physicians in the country who can be more competent and honest than him. They are all my candidates for replacement," Lacson said in a text message.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III also described his ideal replacement for the Cabinet official.
"I hope he picks one with health expertise and no business interests," he said.
Duque came under fire after his "flip-flopping" pronouncements about the second wave of COVID-19, the alleged overpriced COVID-19 testing equipment bought by the government, and the questionable cost of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation's testing package
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The Palace recently said Duque should be allowed to perform his job of addressing the threat of COVID-19 in the country amid mounting criticisms against him.
However, there has been a report that President Rodrigo Duterte is supposedly looking for somebody who could replace Duque.
Last month, several senators filed a resolution asking for the immediate resignation of Health Secretary Francisco Duque over alleged failure of leadership.
The Cabinet official, on the other hand, chose to remain at the helm of DOH. During that time, Malacanang expressed that Duterte wants Duque to "stay put."—AOL, GMA News